Medical applications in telematics

ABSTRACT

A vehicle control system and method for facilitating operation of a vehicle by a driver with a potentially debilitating condition. At least one sensor provides sensor data corresponding to at least one of a vehicle condition or a driver condition. A database includes potentially debilitating condition data and symptoms data corresponding thereto. A central processing unit is in data communication with the database and the at least one sensor. The central processing monitors the operation of the vehicle by the driver based on the sensor data and the database.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Statement of the Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of human factors engineeringand more particularly to a performance monitoring and feedback systemusing telematics.

2. Description of the Related Art

A large number of individuals have physical or mental conditions thatcan compromise their ability to operate vehicles such as heavyequipment, cars, trucks, motorcycles, etc. These conditions can impairperformance in a predictable, recurring manner or it can do sounpredictably. Although a condition can be chronic in nature such asAttention Deficit Disorder, Alzheimer's Disease, and Diabetes, it canalso be temporary such as Influenza, fatigue, or other debilitation.Although certain conditions can make it illegal to drive a car, forexample, it is still legal (even if unadvisable) to drive withpotentially debilitating conditions.

The risk posed to other drivers by those with potentially debilitatingconditions is enormous. However unadvisable operating a motor vehiclemay be for those with debilitating conditions, it is simply notpractical to refuse all persons with potentially debilitating conditionsthe privilege of operating a motor vehicle. It is therefore desirable tohave a system and method which monitors the driver's ability to operatethe vehicle and can assist the driver to take corrective action whenunsafe or potentially unsafe vehicle operation is detected.

Often, those with debilitating conditions exhibit symptoms of thecondition prior to or during an episode. For example, persons withAlzheimer's Disease may forget what certain road signs mean, whilepersons with Attention Deficit Disorder may forget the directions totheir destination. It is desirable to have a system and method which isable to detect the manifestation of symptoms of the debilitatingcondition and assist the driver with the operation of the vehicle.

Some drivers use implanted devices such as pace makers. These devicescan include sensors for detecting life threatening situations for thepatient drivers. Such situations could be detection of a heart attackfor prior heart attack victims, loss of control due to medicalconditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, etc. These conditions present aserious risk for driving. It is desirable to have a method and systemwhich makes use of the telemetry data provided by the implanted sensorsto minimize if not eliminate the hazardous driving conditions which canresult from occurrence of a life threatening medical situation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses the deficiencies of the art in respectto safe vehicle operation in the presence of drivers having potentiallydebilitating conditions and provides a novel and non-obvious method andsystem which uses telematics in a medical application for a vehiclecontrol system.

Methods consistent with the present invention provide a method forfacilitating operation of a vehicle by a driver with a potentialitydebilitating condition in which data is received data from a sensor. Thesensor monitors at least one of a vehicle condition and a drivercondition. Potentially debilitating condition data and symptoms datacorresponding thereto is stored in a database. The operation of thevehicle by the driver is monitored based on the sensor data, thedebilitating condition data and the symptoms data.

Systems consistent with the present invention include a vehicle controlsystem for facilitating operation of a vehicle by a driver with apotentially debilitating condition in which at least one sensor providessensor data for at least one of a vehicle condition or a drivercondition. A database includes potentially debilitating condition dataand symptoms data corresponding thereto. A central processing unit is indata communication with the database and the at least one sensor, thecentral processing unit monitoring the operation of the vehicle by thedriver based on the sensor data and the database.

Additional aspects of the invention will be set forth in part in thedescription which follows, and in part will be obvious from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The aspectsof the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elementsand combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It isto be understood that both the foregoing general description and thefollowing detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only andare not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings which are incorporated in and constitute partof the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention andtogether with the description, serve to explain the principles of theinvention. The embodiments illustrated herein are presently preferred,it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to theprecise arrangements and instrumentalities shown, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a vehicle control system constructed inaccordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the interoperation between a vehiclecontrol system, implanted devices and a warning system.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the functions performed by a centralprocessing unit constructed in accordance with the principles of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a conversation planner constructed inaccordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of tremor normalizers constructed inaccordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of the operation of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of an exemplary operation using the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is a method and system which uses telemetric datato monitor a vehicle operator's condition and driving performance inorder to assist the driver with the safe operation of the vehicle.Referring now to the drawing figures in which like reference designatorsrefer to like elements, there is shown in FIG. 1 a diagram of a vehiclecontrol system constructed in accordance with the principles of thepresent invention and designated generally as “10”.

System 10 includes vehicle 12, steering wheel sensor 14, body bio-sensor16, microphone 18, speaker 20, cameras 22 and 24, pedal tremornormalizer 26, wheel tremor normalizer 28 and CPU 30. Each of devices14-28 are directly or indirectly coupled to and controlled by CPU 30.CPU 30 can be any computer having the capacity and capabilities tocontrol system 10 and perform the functions described herein.

Steering wheel sensor 14 is placed on or near the vehicle's steeringwheel and measures steering wheel response, in other words whether thedriver is turning the wheel in a quick and aggressive manner or in alethargic and slow manner. Body biosensor 16 is placed on or around thedriver's body and measures the scent of a person breath, glucose levelin the blood, or any other biometric parameter used in conjunction withthe operation of vehicle control system 10. Biometric sensors formeasuring various biometric parameters are known.

Microphone 18 is used to input the voice of the driver for analysis byCPU 30. Speaker 20 outputs the voice of an artificial computer-derivedperson (“AP”). Camera 22 observes the exterior of the vehicle and isused to provide input to CPU 30. Camera 24 observes the vehicle operatorto aid determination of the debilitating condition symptom onset.

Pedal tremor normalizer 26 is coupled to the accelerator pedal vehicleoperation input device of vehicle 12 and includes a sensor that canpickup sudden and rapidly repeating movements by the operator due tonervousness, medical condition, etc. Wheel tremor normalizer 28 iscoupled to the steering wheel vehicle operation input device sensor 14and, like pedal tremor normalizer 26, picks up sudden and rapidlyrepeating movements. The operation of normalizers 26 and 28 arediscussed below in detail.

Although not shown in FIG. 1, it is contemplated that vehicle controlsystem 10 can operate in conjunction with a global positioning system(“GPS”) operating with or separately from camera 22 to notify thevehicle operator that they are approaching a intersection, designatedpoint along a route to a destination, or a traffic signal such as stopsign 32. In operation, vehicle control system 10 also includes theability to identify the operator of the vehicle. This can beaccomplished, for example by voice recognition using microphone 18,visual identification by using camera 24, a combination of the two or aseparate biometric sensor (not shown) in conjunction with CPU 30.

In addition to the external sensors shown and described with referenceto FIG. 1, vehicle control system 10 can also make use of data fromdevices implanted within the driver. An example is described withreference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing theinteroperation between vehicle control system 10, implanted devices anda feature of the present invention which allows vehicle control system10 to alert other drivers or other vehicles of the existence of acondition which may impair the vehicle operator's ability to control thevehicle. As shown in FIG. 2, vehicle control system 10 communicates withimplant device 34 via communication module 36. Implant device 34 can beany device implanted in the vehicle operator, such as pace maker,biometric sensor, etc. Communication module 36 facilitates communicationbetween the implant device 34 and vehicle control system 10. Implantdevice 34 includes a sensor (not shown) providing sensor data used todetect a crisis situation, such as a heart attack, possibility of heartattack, epileptic event, and the like. Upon detection of such acondition, vehicle control system 10 interacts with warning system 38 toalert other vehicles 40 and/or other drivers 42 of the existence of thecrisis situation. As such, sensor data can be derived from one or moreof the vehicle sensors providing information about the condition of thevehicle and its components and sensor data can be derived from biometricsensors and/or implanted devices providing information about thecondition of the driver.

The vehicle control system 10 can operate with GPS 44 and camera 22 todetermine what other drivers or other vehicles are in the generalproximity of vehicle 12 as well as determining the speed of the othervehicles to alert other vehicles or drivers and/or to safely bringvehicle 12 to a stop. Of note, although vehicle control system 10 andwarning system 38 are shown as separate elements, it is contemplatedthat warning system 38 can be provided as part of vehicle control system10 or can be a separate system. As a separate system, warning system 38can be implemented in conjunction with a roadway data system (“RDS”) orprovided by governmental or emergency agencies. In operation, warningsystem 38 receives indications from vehicle control system 10 as to theonset or existence of a crisis within vehicle 12 and generatesappropriate wired and/or wireless communication signals to alert drivers42 and/or other vehicles 40.

Functions performed by CPU 30 via its hardware, software, storagedevices, and the like are explained with reference to FIG. 3. CPU 30provides an application that runs the artificial person. CPU 30 includescommunication module 46, conversation planner 48, external observer 50,internal observer 52, tracking system 54, driver profiles database 56and identifier 58. Communication module 46 can also communicate withincompetence system database 60 via network 62. Incompetence systemdatabase 60 can also be provided as part of CPU 30. However, it iscontemplated that incompetence system database 60 may be so large as tobe impractical to be included within vehicle 12 as part of the physicalcomponentry of CPU 33 and may therefore need to be accessed via awireless communication network such as network 62. Incompetence systemdatabase 60 includes a list of symptoms and their correspondingconditions so that CPU 33 can, knowing a particular driver's condition,observe for the occurrence of corresponding symptoms.

Communication module 46 communicates with the various sensors,microphones and cameras included as part of system 10, as well asprovides the interface with the components comprising the artificialperson.

External observer 50 receives and analyzes information from outside ofvehicle 12 such as road signs, traffic lights, road conditions, theproximity of other vehicles, and weather conditions. Systems formonitoring external vehicle conditions are known. Internal observer 52observes the driver and monitors and processes the driver's behavior.For example, internal observer 52 functions to determine whether thedriver is falling asleep, appears intoxicated, observes indications ofdiabetic reactions, confusion, etc. It is contemplated that internalobserver 52 includes face recognition technology for determining theemotions of the driver as well as the ability to identify a driver.

Conversational planner 48 is used to engage in conversation with thedriver and evaluate the condition of the driver. For example,conversational planner 48 can be used to determine whether the driver isexperiencing symptoms of depression or whether the driver is payingattention to the road. As such, the conversational planner 48 may askthe driver about his or her opinion on a movie or a family situation. Ifthe driver responds negatively or the response is determined to be anincompetence symptom that indicates a person is experiencing depression,conversational planner 48, via speaker 20 will maintain a pleasant andrelaxed dialogue with the driver, ultimately operating with the otherelements of system 10 to conduct further competency analysis whilegiving directions and gentle reminders to stay focused and make correctturns on the appropriate roads based on the driver's destination. It isfurther contemplated that conversational planner 48 may initiate theplayback of a joke through speaker 20 regarding a driver's to turn on aparticular road as a way to gently prompt the driver to remember on hisor her own to turn on the correct street. Conversational planner 48 mayalso be use to transmit information and ask questions of the driver. Forexample, conversation planner 48 may ask the driver had taken his or hermedication.

Tracking system 54 works in conjunction with sensor, camera, andmicrophone data to recognize special situations such as fatigue,drowsiness, hyperactivity, and the like. Tracking system 54 is used tokeep the driver from falling asleep, watching that the driver'spossessions such as keys are not left in the car, remind the driver toremove groceries, etc.

Driver profile database 56 can be included as part of the physicalcomponents of CPU 30 or can be accessed remote via network 62. Driverprofiles database 56 includes information for all possible drivers ofvehicle 12. A driver profile may include information needed to identifya driver, such as a particular speech pattern, visual recognition data,etc along with potential debilitating conditions the driver may have, alisting of favorite places frequented by the driver etc. It iscontemplated that a driver profile can also be created automatically byCPU 30 after observing a new driver and asking a series of questionsdesigned to populate driver profile in driver profile database 56.Identifier 58 works in conjunction with driver profiles database 56 andthe sensor data to identify a driver, allowing monitoring of the driverto be custom tailored to his or limitations.

Conversation planner 48 is described in detail with reference to FIG. 4.Conversational planner 48 includes automatic speech recognizer (“ASR”)64, natural language processor 66, grammar module 68, understandingmodule 70, driver conditions grammar control module 72, road situationgrammar control module 74, symptoms control module 76, sentencegenerator 78 and text-to-speech (“TTS”) system 80. In operation, ASR 64receives speech via one or more microphones 18 and passes the recognizedtext to natural language processor 66. Devices for performing automaticspeech recognition and natural language processing are known in the artand are not described herein.

Data from natural processor 66 is input to grammar module 68 whichprocesses the natural language data to convert it into a grammar formatwhich can be understood and further interpreted. Understanding module 70functions as a core of conversation planner 48, acting as an artificialperson to understand and determine the speech input via microphone 18 aswell as determine condition of the driver based on the driver's verbalinput and responses to verbal inquiries and commands.

NLP 66 also feeds natural language data to grammar controller modules72, 74 and 76. Grammar controller modules 72, 74 and 74 are used togenerate data corresponding to driving performance such as specificdriver conditions, road situations and symptoms displayed by the driver.This data is provided to understanding module 70 such that understandingmodule 70 can choose a condition hypothesis that best applies to thedriver's current condition based on the driver's responses, observedroad situation, driver's symptoms, and other driver conditions. Forexample, if the driver suffers from depression, understanding module 70may recognize the onset of a bad episode based on what a driver issaying, his or her facial expression, how much attention is being paidto the driving itself. If CPU 30 has a record that the driver has ahistory of depression, then negative answers to questions as well asadditional symptoms that accompany depression such as fatigue, lack ofinterest, frustration, lack of confidence, etc. will trigger ahypothesis determination by understanding module 70 that the driver isexperiencing an episode brought on by depression and may not have takenthe required medication. Explanation of how other elements of system 10function with understanding module 70 are described below.

Sentence generator 78 generates data corresponding to speech to beplayed to the driver TTS system 80 converts the sentence data created bysentence generators 78 to speech for playback on speaker 20. TTS systemsare known in the art and are not described herein.

Symptoms grammar control module 76, understanding module 70 and sentencegenerator 78 are described in additional detail. Symptoms grammarcontrol module 76 relates symptoms to its own grammar. As used herein,the word “relate” means that symptoms grammar control module 76determines correspondence between driver conditions based on responsesto a collection of phrases and specifies a domain. For every symptom orcondition, or an associated collection of phrases there are grammarconstraints which include a constraint domain of acceptable responses,vocabulary corresponding to the constraint domain and associated phrasesand questions used by understanding module 70 and sentence generator 78.

For, example, a phrase may be “Did You Remember [blank]?” In this casethe “blank” may represent one or more of “the exit”, “to look at thestop sign”, “to stop at the red light”, “to turn right”, “to turn left”,“to take your medication”, etc. The data corresponding to the “blank” isused by sentence generator 78. When a phrase is generated, a series ofexpected possible answers are also generated. This is an example of adomain of grammatical constraints fed into grammar module 68 asacceptable responses to the inquiry. For example, an expected constraintanswer for a particular question may be “yes”, “no”, “oh”, “I forgot” or“what”, etc. In operation, the response interpreted by NLP 66 iscompared with the expected answers and if there is a match between thetwo, conversation planner 48 presumes that received answer was theintended answer. If there is not a match, this may signal a symptom ofan illness that the driver may be experiencing. The comparison of theexpected or predicted answer with the real transcribed answer ispreferably performed by understanding module 70. Similar processingoccurs with road situation grammar control module 74 and driverconditions grammar control module 72.

Pedal tremor normalizer 26 and wheel tremor normalizer 28 are explainedwith reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of normalizers 26and 28. Normalizers 26 and 28 include processor 82 which interacts withvehicle location predictor 84, vehicle control data 86, road data 88,navigation goal data 90 and expected movement estimator 92. Vehiclelocation predictor 84 predicts the position of vehicle 12. It is knownhow to accurately predict the general position of a vehicle based uponits control instrumentation as vehicle 12 travels down a road. Forexample, if a vehicle is going straight and there are no streets to turnin to, the chance that a driver wilt make a sharp turn are very small.Therefore, vehicle location predictor 84 would predict that the vehiclewill continue to go straight. Vehicle control data 88 are data picked upby various sensors within the vehicle in places like the steering wheel,pedal, mirrors, and video captured by camera 22. Vehicle locationpredictor 84 may, for example feel a sudden motion by the driver's handwhen he or she lets got to adjust the rearview mirror or change theradio station.

Expected movement estimator 92 estimates the amount of expected humanmovement based on the predicted movements of the vehicle. For example,if the vehicle is expected to be going straight, then the hand isexpected not to move much to turn the steering wheel. As anotherexample, if the car is nearing a turn, and data from navigation goaldata 90 indicates that the car must turn right to get to a predetermineddestination, then expected movement estimator 22 knows that a right turnshould be expected, even if the vehicle location predictor 84 does nothave this information. Vehicle location predicator 84 thereforeoptimally works for short distance expectations, while expected movementestimator 92 operates for both long and short distances.

Expected movement estimator 92 also receives, via processor 82, vehiclecontrol data 86 and road data 88 and history data 94. History data 94includes information about the driver's past trips, frequency of onsetof various conditions such as tremors, seizures, etc. how strong thetremors are, how often the driver forgets to take his or her medication,etc. Based on history data 94 normalizers 26 and 28 can determinewhether the driver is experiencing a tremor or whether they aregenerally turning the steering wheel. Normalizers 26 and 28 thereforeanalyze the situation on the road using road data 88 to ensure thatactions taken by the driver do not have the potential for an accident.For example, wheel tremor normalizer 28 may determine that the movementis a tremor, and if so, it does not allow the steering wheel to beturned sharply to prevent an accident. Similarly, pedal tremornormalizer 26, separately or in conjunction with wheel tremor normalizer28, may slow the car down, depending on surrounding conditions, to allowthe operator to recover. In other words, normalizers 26 and 28 candetermine that the driver input is not an expected and normal inputbased on the surrounding conditions and can attenuate the actual inputby the driver relative to the level of intent for the turn oracceleration.

The overall operation of the invention is described with reference tothe flow chart in FIG. 6. Initially, the driver is identified using oneor more of the components described above (step S100). The driverprofile for the identified driver is retrieved (step S102) and adetermination made based on the profile whether driver supervision isrequired (step S104). Supervision may be required if the driver has apotentially debilitating condition as identified by the driver's profilein driver profile database 56.

If no supervision is required, the system resorts to its defaultmonitoring condition (step S106). Such default monitoring may be theacquisition of data, the use of the GPS-based navigation system or otheraspects of system 10 which provide benefit to driving for those withoutpotentially debilitating conditions. If supervision is required (stepS104), driver supervision data is retrieved (step S108) from driverprofile database 56 or other local or remote database.

Once the driver supervision data has been retrieved, CPU 30 determineswhether to verify road signs (step S110), verify that the driver ispaying attention to vehicle operation (step S112), check for tremors(step S114) and/or whether the driver requires monitoring to thedestination point such as may be the case were the driver needs to beprompted to follow directions to the destination (step S116). Of notealthough steps S110-S116 are shown sequentially, it is understood thatno particular order is intended and FIG. 6 shows steps S110-S116sequentially for purposes of convenience only.

There are two generally classes of instructions that apply two generaltypes of illness that a person may have, psychological/mental versusphysical handicaps. The most typical monitoring requirement is toobserve where the driver is going and to assist by reminding the driverwhere to turn, where to stop, etc. If the driver supervision dataindicates that the driver should be prompted to check, and verify roadsigns in step S110, system 10 provides road sign attention request tothe driver in the form of verbal instructions. For example, the drivemay be prompted to pay to attention to significant road signs such asstreet signs, stop signs, traffic lights, etc.

If the driver supervision data indicates that the driver's attentionmust be verified (step S112), the verification period is determined(step S120) and inquiries are made by system 10 to verify that thedriver is paying attention during each verification period (step S122).

The verification period of step S120 can vary depending on the amount ofmistakes that the driver has previously made while driving or is makingwhile driving to the destination. For example, a driver who has begunmissing turns with increasing frequency may be prompted to verify his orher attention with increasing frequency. Attention can be verified bymaking periodic inquires of the driver and analyzing responses thereto.

If the driver is to be checked for tremors (step S114), CPU 30 activatestremor control (step S124) via pedal tremor normalizer 26 and wheeltremor normalizer 28.

Where the driver supervision data (step S108) indicates that the driveris to be monitored to his or her destination (step S116), thedestination is determined (step S126), for example by asking the driver,or receiving input via keyboard, touch pad, etc. CPU 30 determines theroute to the destination (step S128) and a series of driver instructionsare generated (step S130). The most typical monitoring requirement willbe to monitor where the driver is going and assist the driver byreminding where to turn, whereto stop, etc. CPU 30 monitors the driver'sprogress to update route information and generate new driverinstructions, as needed.

Of note, the verification and monitoring steps shown in FIG. 6 aremerely exemplary. It is contemplated that a more complicated system canbe arranged which accounts for a comprehensive set of illnesses so thatadditional types of verification can be implemented, as needed. Forexample, a system which includes provisions for support of drivershaving diabetes may also verify blood sugar levels via biometrictechnology. Advantageously, system 10 monitors the physical condition ofa driver to note any symptoms of illness or onset of a debilitatingcondition.

An example of the operation of system 10 is described with reference toFIG. 7 for a driver that is experiencing symptoms that may result in acrisis. For example, such a symptom may be that of a diabetic having adiabetic reaction and who begins to lose consciousness or have a dizzyspell, while a person with depression may begin to lose concentrationand have negative thoughts and resulting in extreme carelessness whiledriving. Initially, a determination is made as to whether the driver isexperiencing symptoms that may cause a crisis (step S132). Symptoms canbe retrieved, for example, from incompetence system database 60 bycommunication module 46. If biometric sensors are available as part ofsystem 10 which can be used to aid such a determination, the sensors areactivated to recover biometric data there from (step S136). If biometricsensors are not available, a determination is made as to whether thereare any analytical tools which can be used to detect whether thecritical symptoms have manifest to the point of crisis (step S138).

For example, a diabetic may be assisted by a sensor that reads theirblood sugar level or electronic signals from the body. Analytical toolsmay include generating and conducting a conversation via conversationplanner 48 to inquire about condition, using camera 24 to identifyparticular facial patterns or gestures, etc.

If analytical tools are determined to exist, the analytical tools areused (step S140). The system starts recognition via questioning andmonitors the driver's answers and the tone of voice to verify whetherany answers may point to whether crisis symptoms are exhibited. If, viathe activated sensor and/or the analytical tools crisis symptoms arebeing experienced by the driver (step 142), the system performs crisisprocessing (step S144). Crisis processing includes taking those stepsnecessary to ensure the safety of the driver, vehicle 12, other vehicles40 and/or other drivers 42. As such, by way of example, crisisprocessing (step S144) may include stopping vehicle 12, alerting thedriver, alerting relatives and authorities, etc.

The present invention advantageously provides a system and method bywhich potentially debilitating conditions can be monitored to facilitatethe safe operation of a vehicle. The system of the present invention canmake use of biometric sensor data obtained externally from the driver orfrom sensors included as part of implanted devices. The presentinvention provides a comprehensive mechanism for assisting the driverwith the operation of the vehicle through an interactive process whichcan provide direction to the driver, minimize the impact of tremorsduring the operation of the vehicle verifying that the driver is payingattention and observing signs, and the like.

The present invention makes use of a comprehensive symptom databasewhich can be used to facilitate interaction with the driver to determinewhether the driver is exhibiting symptoms corresponding to a potentiallydebilitating condition. Because system 10 includes a comprehensivesub-system for evaluating various potentially debilitating medicalconditions, it is contemplated that system 10 also be used to aid thediagnosis of illnesses such as diabetes or depression through themonitoring of the drivers driving patterns and moods. It is alsocontemplated that data derived from drivers that require assistance canbe used to improve assistance to other drivers by improving profiles ofindividual drivers and/or by improving the base of knowledge used topopulate incompetence symptoms database 60.

The present invention provides drivers with attention deficit disordersand drivers whose driving can be affected by critical health conditions(diabetes, depression, epilepsy, etc.) with the information and controlsnecessary to participate as driving members of society. This isaccomplished, at least in part, through the provision of anobservational system that identifies whether driver has critical medicalconditions and monitors his or her ability to safely drive a car bytracking driving performance and/or by expected responses to dialogue.

As noted above, the present invention can be realized in hardware,software, or a combination of hardware and software. A typicalcombination of hardware and software could include a general purposecomputer system with a computer program that, when being loaded andexecuted, controls the computer system such that it carries out themethods described herein. The present invention can also be embedded ina computer program product, which comprises all the features enablingthe implementation of the methods described herein, and which, whenloaded in a computer system is able to carry out these methods.

Computer program or application in the present context means anyexpression, in any language code or notation, of a set of instructionsintended to cause a system having an information processing capabilityto perform a particular function either directly or after either or bothof the following a) conversion to another language, code or notation;b); reproduction in a different material form. Significantly, thisinvention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing fromthe spirit or essential attributes thereof, and accordingly, referenceshould be had to the following claims, rather than to the foregoingspecification, as indicating the scope of the invention.

1. A vehicle control system for facilitating operation of a vehicle by adriver with a potentially debilitating condition, comprising: at leastone sensor providing sensor data for at least one of a vehicle conditionor a driver condition; a database including potentially debilitatingcondition data and symptoms data corresponding thereto; and a centralprocessing unit in data communication with the database and the at leastone sensor, the central processing unit monitoring the operation of thevehicle by the driver based on the sensor data and the database.
 2. Thevehicle control system according to claim 1, wherein the monitoringincludes detecting the existence of a medical crisis.
 3. The vehiclecontrol system according to claim 2, wherein the central processing unitoperates to control operation of the vehicle in response to theexistence of a medical crisis.
 4. The vehicle control system accordingto claim 2, wherein the central processing unit operates to initiate awarning to at least one of other vehicles and other drivers in responseto the existence of a medical crisis.
 5. The vehicle control systemaccording to claim 2, further including an implant device implanted inthe driver, the implant device in communication with the centralprocessing unit, the implant device being used to determine theexistence of a crisis.
 6. The vehicle control system according to claim1 wherein the central processing unit includes an internal observer, theinternal observer monitoring the driver to make a determination ofwhether the driver is experiencing a condition which adversely effectsthe driver's ability to operate the vehicle.
 7. The vehicle controlsystem according to claim 1, wherein the central processing unitincludes a conversation planner, the conversation planner engaging inconversation with the driver and evaluate the condition of the driver.8. A method for facilitating operation of a vehicle by a driver with apotentially debilitating condition, comprising: receiving data from asensor, the sensor monitoring at least one of a vehicle condition or adriver condition; storing potentially debilitating condition data andsymptoms data corresponding thereto in a database; and monitoring theoperation of the vehicle by the driver based on the sensor data, thedebilitating condition data and the symptoms data.
 9. The vehicleoperation facilitation method according to claim 8, wherein monitoringincludes detecting the existence of a medical crisis.
 10. The vehicleoperation facilitation method according to claim 9, further comprisingusing a central processing unit to control operation of the vehicle inresponse to the existence of a medical crisis.
 11. The vehicle operationfacilitation method according to claim 9, further comprising providing awarning to at least one of other vehicles and other drivers in responseto the existence of a medical crisis.
 12. The vehicle operationfacilitation method according to claim 9, further comprising using adevice implanted in the driver to determine the existence of a crisis.13. The vehicle operation facilitation method according to claim 8,wherein monitoring includes determining whether the driver isexperiencing a condition which adversely effects the driver's ability tooperate the vehicle.
 14. The vehicle operation facilitation methodaccording to claim 8, wherein monitoring includes engaging inconversation with the driver and evaluating the condition of the driverbased on the conversation.